What does Preamble of Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 do?

This bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. The stated purpose is to provide cost-recovery authority for the Department of the Interior.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026.

What does COST RECOVERY FROM GEOTHERMAL LEASING, PERMITTING, AND of Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to allow the Secretary to require reimbursement for costs associated with geothermal leasing, permitting, and inspections. The cost recovery period begins on the date of enactment and ends September 30, 2032. Reimbursable costs include processing applications for geothermal leases and related approvals, as well as inspecting and monitoring various activities related to geothermal resource utilization. The Secretary must consider existing cooperative cost share agreements when deciding whether to require reimbursement. The Secretary may reduce reimbursement amounts if full reimbursement would cause economic hardship or if a reduced amount is needed to promote geothermal resource use. Reimbursed funds will be credited to the Department of the Interior's appropriation and can only be used for processing lease applications and conducting inspections.

What does REPORT. of Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates a report from the Secretary of the Interior regarding the impact of amendments made by section 2 of this Act on the Bureau of Land Management's geothermal program. The report must also include recommendations for reauthorization of section 6(j) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as added by this Act. The Secretary shall solicit facts and information from the geothermal industry and other stakeholders when developing the report. The report is due within 5 years of the Act's enactment and will be submitted to the House and Senate committees and made publicly available.

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Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 5/20/2026

Author: Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows the Department of the Interior to require reimbursement for costs related to geothermal leasing, permitting, and inspections, with a cost recovery period ending September 30, 2032.
Reimbursed funds must be used for processing lease applications and conducting inspections related to geothermal resources.
The Secretary of the Interior must submit a report within five years assessing the impact of these changes on the Bureau of Land Management's geothermal program and recommending reauthorization of related provisions.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 398(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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